Cross-border moving
Two families are moving from Wrocław to Hanover. The first has a house full of furniture and gets the keys to their new home the same week. The second is moving a studio flat and is in no hurry. Cross-border moving looks completely different for these two families – and those differences are what this page is about. We describe the four transport options we use at 4RELO and when each one makes sense.
Four ways to transport your belongings abroad
Dedicated run
The vehicle carries only your load, with no stops for other clients. The same crew loads and unloads, and you know the exact delivery day. The choice for full flats, houses and situations where the date matters.
Shared transport
Your belongings join a run that is going in that direction anyway. This most often applies to Germany and the Czech Republic, where we travel regularly. You pay for the space you use, and in return you accept a wider delivery window.
Storage along the way
Your load first goes to our warehouse in Wrocław or Frankfurt am Main, and travels on once your new home is ready. It works well for renovations, temporary accommodation and uncertain move-in dates.
Container
For moves outside Europę, we pack your belongings into a shipping container and work with partners from the FEDEMAC network. Within the continent, few people choose a container – usually those who want to load a few days early and wait at their leisure.
Comparing the options
| Option | Delivery date | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated run | fixed, agreed in advance | you are moving a whole house or have a fixed date |
| Shared transport | within a window of several days | you are moving a few pieces of furniture or a small flat |
| Storage along the way | whenever you call for it | moving out and moving in fall in different weeks |
| Container | weeks, depending on the port | you are moving to another continent |
What stays the same whichever option you choose
Whatever the transport method, packing is the same: we wrap furniture in blankets and film, pack glass and china in boxes with dividers, and label each box with the room it is going to. Your load is recorded on a list that you sign at loading and unloading. We carry out the job under a contract, with a VAT invoice and liability insurance up to PLN 500,000. Details of packing, disassembly and carrying services are described in the additional services section.
Relocating a company abroad
When relocating an office or a company department, we combine a dedicated run with working in stages: first the archive and equipment that is not needed every day, and the workstations last. You can read more about how we organise projects like these on the office relocation page.
Choosing a cross-border moving option – questions
Which option is the cheapest?
For a small load, usually shared transport, because you split the cost of the run with other clients. For a full house, a dedicated run can be just as cost-effective, and it gives you a guaranteed date.
With shared transport, are my belongings reloaded?
We try to avoid it. If reloading is necessary, it takes place in our warehouse, and your load is labelled and recorded.
Can I change the option after receiving the quote?
Yes, until the vehicle is booked. We often prepare two quotes side by side to make it easier to compare cost and timing.
How long can I keep my belongings in storage before delivery abroad?
As long as you need – from a few days to many months. You pay for the actual time and the space used.
Not sure which option to choose?
Describe your load and timing, and we will compare a dedicated run with shared transport for you.
A dedicated run
or shared transport?
We will prepare a free quote for both cross-border moving options.
Free quote